How to Play the French Horn

Few musical instruments sound as distinctive and beautiful as the French horn. However, think carefully before taking up this instrument because it isn't suitable for entertaining your friends or playing at nightclubs. If you do decide to learn the horn, congratulations! Horn players are reputed to be the best kissers. The following steps will help you get started playing this lovely instrument.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Single horn in the key of F or B flat
• Carrying case
• Cleaning cloth
• Practice exercises and music
• Music stand
• Rotary valve oil
• Mouthpiece brush
• Hand guard

1. Begin by choosing your instrument. Most musicians start with a single horn but later move on to a double horn. You may want to rent your first horn while you save money to buy a double horn.
2. Practice with your mouthpiece without connecting it to your horn. Learn how to make the mouthpiece buzz by controlling the airflow through your lips. When you can play a simple tune like "Mary Had a Little Lamb" with your mouthpiece, you're ready to attach it to the horn.
3. Sit in a chair with your left foot resting on the floor in front of your left knee and your right toes beside your chair on the right. Your right knee should be lower than your left knee and there should be plenty of distance between them.
4. Rest the bell of your horn on your right thigh just above your right knee. Place your right hand inside the bell of the horn, palm up and slightly cupped.
5. Place the first three fingers of your left hand on the keys, resting your palm on the horn. It's okay at first to rest most of your fingers on the keys; later you'll want to just rest the pads of your fingers on the keys.
6. Raise the left side of the horn until the mouthpiece is at your lips. This is the correct position for playing the horn while sitting. To play while standing, hold the horn horizontally and, while keeping your right hand in the bell, support it with both hands.
7. Begin playing. Limit your range at first to avoid getting frustrated, and gradually practice higher and lower notes. Tune your horn by adjusting the tubing and the position of your hand in the bell.

Tips & Warnings

• Whether you buy a horn in the key of F or B flat, you'll find that you can't play all the notes equally well. A double horn, one that switches from F or B-flat by means of a thumb key, solves this problem.
• Because you will have your left hand on the horn for extended periods of time, buy a hand guard to keep that part of the horn from tarnishing.
• Twist the mouthpiece onto the horn, taking care not to make it too tight. Do not hit the mouthpiece to secure it or you'll have difficulty getting it out.
• Clean your horn before storing it in the carrying case. Empty the condensation by sliding the tubing apart and turning the horn over. Remove the mouthpiece and rinse it out, using the mouthpiece brush if necessary. Use the cleaning cloth to wipe the entire horn, removing fingerprints that will cause it to tarnish.
• If you fail to care for your horn properly, you'll soon find the outside is tarnished and the inside coated with green slime.